About your visit

We have examined you and ascertained that you have a dislocated shoulder. The joint has been put back into place and we have given you painkillers. Your arm is in a sling to keep your shoulder immobile while it heals. You will have to wear the sling for about 14 days unless your physician has told you differently.

When you get home

Avoid raising your arms above your head

To avoid dislocating your shoulder again, do not raise your arms over your head for the first couple of months.

Dial 1813 for the medical hotline if your shoulder becomes dislocated again

You can dislocate your shoulder again. If this happens, do not wait for your next check-up, but dial 1813 immediately for the medical helpline so we can set your arm back in joint.

Contact your general practitioner if you detect changes in your hand or fingers

Call your general practitioner or dial 1813 to reach the medical helpline outside your general practitioner’s opening hours if:

• your hand changes colour
• your hand “falls asleep” or becomes numb
• a whirring or prickling sensation develops in your hand or fingers.

Take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain

You should take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain. Pain-relieving medicine can be bought over the counter. Take only the amount of pain reliever recommended on the package. Contact your general practitioner if you need help managing the pain.  

Wear the sling at all times, and move your fingers and wrist

You must wear the sling when sleeping and washing. Don’t wear the sling when you take a shower or bath. However, it is a good idea to remove the sling a few times a day to bend and stretch your elbow. Avoid moving your shoulder while doing so.

While your arm is in the sling, it is important to move your fingers and wrist as much as possible. Clench your fist and then stretch your fingers to reduce swelling and to maintain hand strength and mobility in your fingers.

Use an ice compress

You can prepare an ice compress and place it on the swollen area or where you are experiencing pain. Wrap a bag of ice in a tea towel, for example, to avoid direct contact with your skin. Use a compress 3-5 times a day for 20-30 minutes.

Check-ups

You will be called in for a check-up to make sure your shoulder is healing correctly. We will also discuss further treatment at the check-up You are very welcome to bring a relative. We will make an appointment with you at the hospital. You may also receive a digital message about when to come for a check-up.

If your condition deteriorates before your check-up, do not wait, contact your general practitioner. If your condition deteriorates acutely, dial 1813 to reach the medical helpline.

Worth knowing